Tips for a Lower BAC

Pace & space - Sip your drink instead of chugging, alternate with water or soda, and have no more than 1 drink/hour. On average, it takes nearly 3 hours for most people to eliminate the alcohol in 2 standard drinks.

Eat before and while drinking - Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly when there is food (especially protein) in your stomach.

Avoid mixing alcohol with other drugs - Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs (e.g. antihistamines, sedatives) can increase alcohol’s effects. Caffeine and other stimulants can trick you into feeling less impaired.

Use caution when sick or tired - When you’re sleep deprived or ill, alcohol enters the body more quickly.

Safer Drinking Guidelines

0 drinks is the only safe choice for people in certain higher-risk situations—for example when driving, pregnant, taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications, or with health conditions such as alcoholism. Consuming alcohol under the age of 21 can lead to legal consequences.(1)

No more than 1 drink per hour. On average, it takes nearly 3 hours for most people to eliminate the alcohol in 2 standard drinks.(2)

Women’s guidelines

No more than 2 drinks on any one day(3)

No more than 7 drinks per week (3)

Men’s guidelines

No more than 3 drinks in any 1 day(3)

No more than 14 drinks per week(3)

If a man and a woman of the same height and weight consume the same amount of alcohol over the same period of time, the woman will have a higher BAC.